THE SECRET AEY'S PORTFOLIO. 390 



nate coil. Stretcli this line along one side of the field, and insert a wooden peg 

 at every mark. Then stretch it along the ojjposite side and in8ert pegs, having 

 previously measured off the right distance between tlicni with a line. Then 

 begin at one side and peg the wiiole held, as shown in tlic figure. Tlie cord 

 will stretch some, having some elasticity ; but if you bring it exactly out to the 

 line of pegs at the end, all the pegs will be in perfectly straight rows. 



NOTES FllOM THE ORCHARD COMMITTEE. 



At the risk of duplicating an occasional fact that may be given elsewhere, 

 we take from the Michigan Fakmer the following letters, written by Prof. 

 Beal, while on his trip among Michigan orchards: 



ACRES IX FRUIT AT TRAVERSE-PIONEERS— SUMMER RESORT- 

 INDIANS. 



Near Traverse City, on the farm of Judge Ramsdell, are thirty acres planted 

 to fruit, including 700 plum trees, 300 peach trees, large quantities of grapes, 

 some apples, cherries and small fruits. His plums are a sight to behold. The 

 trees are healthy, with glossy, bright green leaves and plenty of fruit. Of 

 grapes he prefers the lona, all of which he makes into wine. 



At Old Mission, Mrs. A. H. Tracy shows a fine residence, with greenhouse 

 and ornamental grounds. 



Reynolds & Tracy have 65 acres planted to fruit, including one of the finest 

 plats of Philadelphia raspberries ever seen, and large quantities of pear and 

 apple trees generally in thriving condition. 



Mr. George Parmelee enters for premium an apple orchard, a pear orchard, 

 and a cherry orchard, in all covering 115 acres. They are all very fine, espec- 

 ially the pear trees and cherry trees, which can hardly be excelled for excellence 

 m all respects. The details of kinds, yield, profit, etc., must be delayed for 

 the final report, but they show that the country is really extra for plums, 

 winter apples, pears and cherries. 



Besides these orchards there are others about Traverse City ; probably in all 

 amounting to 500 or more. All honor is due to these pioneers who are trying 

 all kinds of fruit in this new country. They deserve more credit than those 

 who destroy timber in a wasteful and slovenly manner. These men are at 

 much risk and expense testing the capacity of the country for fruit. This will 

 prove the best advertisement to the lands in the surrounding region. For this 

 good work we should make especial mention of George Parmelee, J, G. Rams- 

 dell, Reynolds & Tracy, Montague, Curtis, Strong, Avery, Brinkman, Marshall, 

 and otliers. 



In all places we met peojile hunting for cool air and fishing-ground, rest, and 

 rec^'eation. For this purpose, many portions of Northern Michigan must 

 always be prominent. As the southern portions become older and better 



